We're staying at the Sandia and I am wondering if we should try to bring our clubs.  Anyone have any opinions or suggestions regarding the local golf courses?  We are going to have a few days in town, so we might want to take a look at some other courses if they are worth it.

Fantastic question Slothar - we will also be taking our clubs, but I have yet to look into courses, etc...

I have bowled in each Open since 2001 (except Billings) and we have taken our clubs every time except for Baton Rouge - we decided to play in New Orleans on that trip as opposed to golf.

I look forward to a little "local" knowledge on the subject.

 

 

Well, I am not a golfer ... please, no comments on that!  But, I think the Sandia course is one of the most beautiful in the area.  Being from the East Coast, I love driving around the property just to remind myself what the color green looks like.  There are also 36 holes (I think, but might be a 9-hole course there, too) attached to the Santa Ana Casino/Hyatt Tamaya Resort properties north of Sandia about 15 miles in Bernalillo.  Not as green, but interesting topography.  There are several public courses in the city, at least one of which has been called a "world class" course - whatever that means.  UNM has a course to the south of town that I've heard is rather difficult.  Again, I haven't a clue what that means.

So, if I was a golfer, I'd definitely bring my clubs to Albuquerque.  How's that for a start?

Deb

Thanks Deb - I have googled "golf in Alb" and have found quite a few sites that list the courses, as well as, ratings.  It looks like the best option may be to play one of the four municipal courses in town  - 3 of the four have at least 18 holes and all get decent ratings from the locals.

dgarren wrote:

Thanks Deb - I have googled "golf in Alb" and have found quite a few sites that list the courses, as well as, ratings.  It looks like the best option may be to play one of the four municipal courses in town  - 3 of the four have at least 18 holes and all get decent ratings from the locals.

dgarren, if you have the time and don't mind a 3 hour drive, check out Pinon Hills. I guarantee it will be well worth the trip. The take online tee times up to 60 days in advance, and when you see the cost, well This course was rated the best Muny in the US, a few years back.

Thanks Doom -

I will check it out - though the three hour drive wont be too bad on the way to the course - but our group averages about a beer every other hole, so we will probably try to stay within staggering distance

 

dgarren wrote:

Thanks Doom - I will check it out - though the three hour drive wont be too bad on the way to the course - but our group averages about a beer every other hole, so we will probably try to stay within staggering distance

Ah, my kind of golf, got room for a fourth

 We played 36 at the U of NM course in 2000, and we were not disappointed! It is well worth the time, with the price being very reasonable I think. A highlight of our time there was my buddy, who is very athletic attempting to catch a roadrunner. No chance in HELL of that happening!!!! It is also very cool to have a fighter jet go screaming over your head as you swing, if they happen to be practicing take offs and landings while you are playing.
 We also played 18 at the Sandia course, and it was well worth it also, but personal preference has me looking at the college course again. They are holding the Women's NCAA championships there in May, I beleive. Enjoy!

sabman65 wrote:

We played 36 at the U of NM course in 2000, and we were not disappointed! It is well worth the time, with the price being very reasonable I think. A highlight of our time there was my buddy, who is very athletic attempting to catch a roadrunner. No chance in HELL of that happening!!!! It is also very cool to have a fighter jet go screaming over your head as you swing, if they happen to be practicing take offs and landings while you are playing.  We also played 18 at the Sandia course, and it was well worth it also, but personal preference has me looking at the college course again. They are holding the Women's NCAA championships there in May, I beleive. Enjoy!

The U of NM also has a great course in Las Cruces.

Golf in and around ABQ is awesome. We played the Sandia Casino and the UNM course in 2000 and I returned to play the newer courses 3 years ago. Black Mesa is as described in the article and about 135 miles from ABQ. If this was near Vegas, this is a $350 course. (you'll see when we go to Vegas next year) Spend a night and play it twice.  Paa-Ko Ridge is awesome as well. Both courses are ranked in Golf Magazines "Top 100 You Can Play". We enjoyed ABQ in 2000 and the tram trip was excellent as well. Here is a link that should help.

http://www.golf.com/golf/courses_travel/article/0,28136,1669235,00.html

 

thanks for the info. If that thread was a few months ago, it's time for a new thread for this year's golf expierences. 

Visit www.golfnewmexico.com

 

 

Actually, the course in Las Cruces belongs to the "other" University in New Mexico, NMSU. I only make the distinction because the two schools are big rivals, and Aggies don't like Lobos and vica versa. You're right though, it's a great course.

Now the weather is finally becoming "golf friendly" out in ABQ. My 3 favorites are, in order:

1. Paa-Ko....nothing compares. Just bring lots of balls if you spray it!

2. UNM course....plenty of challenge for every level of player.

3. Sandia casino course.....if you play bad here, at least you can go inside and try to win your green fees back!

Tee'm high baby!

Mike

Just got back. I did not golf but in the coupon book that you get when your team captain checks you in, has some coupons.

the first one is for Twin Warriors golf club. $69 Mon-Thur and $79 Fri-Sun. This is the course that is connected to the Santa Ana Star Casino. We went to the casino and the course looked to be in good shape and the layout of the few holes that we could see looked pretty cool. Website is twinwarriorsgolf.com

The next coupon is for the UNM Championship Golf course. It looks as it is out by the airport.  The coupon is for 50% off club rental.  Website is unmgolf.com

 

Hoipe this helps.  Good luck and have fun.